Maldives renames its international airport

With the beginning of the new year Maldives re-branded its mainairport.

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was officially re-named "Velana International Airport" andinauguratedby tPresident Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at12 amon January 1.

At a ceremony held at Hulhule' island, the Aerodrome license of Velana International Airport was handed over to the Maldives Airports Company Limited by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.

President Yameen decided to re-brand the airportduring a cabinet meeting heldlastMonday afterCabinet consultations; focusing on the transformation of the airport in line withthe Administration's economicvision.

According to thePresident's office, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was renamed as part of the efforts being made bythe administration to make the airport a gateway for future development and growth.

There is a huge, ongoing project to develop the airport and the government saysupon completion of this projectthe tourism sector will see significant growth while at the same time the airport would work towards becoming a major hub for distance travel.

For the vital role played by latepresident and prime minister Ibrahim Nasir in realisng the airport, the re-branded name still represents him,"Velana" is a reference to him.

This is the third timeMaldives has changed the name of its airport. The initial name "Hulhule Airport" was changed to "Male' International Airport" in early 1980's and then it was changed to "Ibrahim Nasir International Airport" during former president Mohamed Nasheed's administration.

(WION)